Filling-replenishing loom.



No. 718,575. PATENTE'D JAN. 13; 1903.

LNORTHROP.

FILLING REPLENISHING LOOM.

APPLICATION FILED IEB. 3. 1902.

N0 MODEL. 3 SHEETB-SHEET 2.

PATENTED JAN. 13, 1903.

J.-NORTHROP. FILLING REPLENISHING LOOM.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 3, 1902.

.-3. SHEETS-SHEET 3.

N0 MODBL.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JONAS NORTHROP, OF HOPEDALE, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO DRAPER COMPANY, OF HOPEDALE, MASSACHUSETTS, A CORPORATION OF MAINE.

FlLLlNG-REPLENISHING LOOM.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 718,575, dated January 13, 1903. Application filed February 3, 1902. Serial No. 92,423. No modehfaZZ whom it may concern: but if the obliquity is too great the thread will Beitknown that I,JONAS NORTHROP, asubbreak, causing a misthread. -If the filling or ject of the King of Great Britain, and a resithread end does not enter the passage on the 55 dent of Hopedale, county of Worcester, State first pick, however, even though it may draw of Massachusetts, haveinvented an Improveoff from the supply in the shuttle, the return ment in Automatic Filling Replenishing shot of the latter reverses the direction of Looms, of which the following description, in pull on the filling, and as the latter draws off connection with the accompanying drawings, over the supported head end of the supplyit 60 is a specification, like characters on the draw: breaks. Such misthreads require a change of ings representing like parts. I filling, and manifestlyamisthread and break- Looms provided with automatic filling-reage of filling will inevitably occurifthe thread plenishing mechanism of the type shown in does not enter the receiving-passage of the United States Patent No. 529,940, wherein a threading device and remain therein on the 65 fresh supply of filling is inserted when refirst pick after replenishing.

r5 quired in the running shuttle, necessitate the Each change of filling means the loss of employment of a shuttle which can be autofrom one to three or more picks, necessitating matically threaded, and various forms of arrest of the take-up and a letting back corshuttle-threading means have been devised. responding to the number of lost picks in 70 The most successful of such'devi'ces in actual order to prevent thin places, and, other things practice have beenv mounted directly upon being equal, the smaller the number of fillthe shuttle and have operated to direct the ing changes in a given time the greater will filling-thread toward the delivery-eye as the be the efficiency of the loom. shuttle is shot across the loom from the re- In my present invention I have provided 75 plenish'ing side, completion of the threading means which reduces misthreading to such a being effected upon the following return minimum that filling replenishing due to misshot. Such threading devices comprise, esthreading is practically eliminated, and the sentially, a longitudinal open thread-receivefliciency of the loom is correspondingly ining passage, a thread-eye in the side of the creased. shuttle and having a slot leading thereinto, The variations in tension, curling or twist- 0 and a born to direct the thread from the outer ing, and other vagaries of filling-thread well end of the passage to and down the slot into known to those skilled in Weaving which tend the eye, guards of various kinds being used to prevent the proper operation of shuttleto prevent the thread from whipping out of threading devices now in extended use have 85 the thread-receiving passage. no effect on the operation of my present-in- In the replenishing mechanism of the type vention, which insures the certain and sure hereinbefore referred to the filling or thread delivery of the filling whenever a fresh supends are secured to a holding device, so that ply is inserted in the shuttle. when filling replenishing is effected the filll have provided for the positive cooperation 9o ing end extends from such device to the fillofthe filling-thread and the delivery means 0 ing-supply in the shuttle in an oblique line, on the shuttle at the time of filling change, and when the shuttle is thrown from the shutso that the thread is properly delivered at the tle-box the filling or thread end enters the instant the shuttle leaves the replenishing thread-receiving passage of the threading deside of the loom, the shuttle having a nor- 5 vice if nothing occurs to prevent, though mally closed leader, through which the fillingthe pull of the filling will still be at an angle thread passes, substantially in alinement with to the longitudinal axis of the filling-supply. the longitudinal axis of the supply in the Even if the filling does not enter the passage shuttle as the thread is drawn off to be delivon the first pick probably no damage will be ered, and this leader is opened at the time of 100 done on such pick, provided the direction of filling replenishing longenough to receive the pull on the thread is not so oblique to the axis filling or thread end, the closing of the leader of the filling-carrier as to prevent the thread then positively preventing Withdrawal of the from readilydrawing off over the tip thereof; thread and maintaining it in position to be subjected to a direct pull. The leader is located in front of the tip end of the filling-supply, and after the thread enters the leader its proper deliveryis absolutely assured on either shot of the shuttle, whether the delivery is directly from the leader or from the latter to the delivery-eye of the shuttle and thence to the shed. The leader constitutes the normally closed entrance or inner end of a longitudinal thread-receiving passage provided at its outer end with means to direct the thread from the passage to the side delivery-eye of the shuttle, and usually the directing of the thread to the eye is completed upon the second pick after filling change. \Vhether this is delayed or not is of no moment in my present invention, so that the complete threading may be delayed for an indefinite number of picks without breakage of the filling or interference with its delivery, which will be' from the top rather than from the side of the shuttle. For general purposes the latter delivery is preferred, and for this reason I have provided means for automatically conducting the thread from the leader to a side delivery-eye in the shuttle.

Various novel features of my invention will be hereinafter described, and particularly pointed out in the following claims.

Figure 1 is a front elevation of a portion of the replenishing side of a loom provided with mechanism for automatically inserting fresh filling in the shuttle when necessary, one form of replenishing mechanism being illustrated suitable for use in connection with my presentinvention. Fig. 2 isatransverse sectional detail thereof on the irregular line 2 2, Fig. 1, looking toward the left, with the replenishing mechanism in normalcondition. Fig. 3 is a detail similar to Fig. 2, but showing the relative position of some of the parts just as the fresh supplyof fillingisinsertedin the shuttle. Fig. 4 is an enlarged top or plan View of the thread-delivery end of the shuttle, showing the means thereon whereby proper delivery of the thread is positively insured and effected after a change of filling in accordance with my invention. Fig. 5 is" a longitudinal sectional detail on the line 5 5, Fig. 4, viewed in the direction of arrow 55. Figs. 6 and 7 are transverse sectional views on the line 6 6, Fig. 4, looking toward the right, the threadleader being shown closed in Fig. 6 and open in Fig. 7, ready in the latter case to receive the thread of filling. Fig. 8 is a side elevation of the means (detached from the shuttle) for effecting the proper delivery of the thread, and Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the threaddelivery end of the shuttle.

Referring generally to Figs. 1 to 3, the loomframe A, lay A slotted at 10 below one of the shuttle-boxes, as B, the hunter 0 on the lay, and the filling-feeder F are of well-known construction, the filling-feeder consisting of two disks 0. a which support between them the filling-carriers or supplies of filling b, said disks rotating in unison on a stud a, rigidly secured to a stand A mounted on the breastbeam A at the side of the loom adjacent the sh uttle-box B The thread or filling ends are led from the tip ends of the filling-carriers over a disk I) (see dotted lines, Fig. 1) to a holding-stud b the latter and the disk rotating intermittingly with the feeder to present the filling-supplies b one by one into position to be transferred to the shuttle, all substantially as shown in United States Patent No. 664,790, dated December 25, 1900, the rotation of the feeder being effected herein substantially as provided for in said patent. As therein shown the stand A herein is provided with a horizontal stud f, on which is loosely mounted the hub of the transferrerf', extended between the disks a a of the feeder to engage the head of the filling-carrier to be transferred, while the tip of the latter is engaged by the notched downturned end 22 of a lateral arm 21, rigidly secured to the transferrer. \Vhen a change occurs in the condition of the filling in the shuttle, such as its exhaustion to a predetermined extent or its breakage, the replenishing mechanism is automatically actuated to furnish the shuttle with a fresh supply of filling, the actuation of said mechanism being effected in wellknown manner by the turning of a controlling rock-shaft d in the direction of arrow 65, Fig. 2, said rock-shaft having fast thereon an arm d held in the position shown in Fig. 2 by a strong spring d A shuttle-feeler 11 fulcrumed on the frame at y, is provided with a toe 1 against which the arm 0V is held by the spring, the shuttle-feeler having a rigidlyconnected branch 1 A headed rocker-stud m is mounted on the depending end f of the transferrer, said stud being normally turned in the direction of arrow 12 by a spring on Fig. 1, and an arm m, secured to the stud, has a lateral lug m flagainst which the branch g rests, and a notched dog "m is adjustably secured to the arm on, the dog being moved into the path of the hunter 0 when achange of filling is to be effected, all as provided for in the patent referred to.

In Figs. 1 and 2 the replenishing mechanism is shown in normal position, while in Fig. 3 the parts are shown in the position assumed at the instant a filling-supply has been transferred from the feeder F and inserted in the shuttle S, the old or spent filling-carrier having been ejected from the bottom of the shuttle and through the slot 10 in the bottom of the shuttle-box B So far the mechanism described is old and not of my invention ;-but a general idea of the operation thereof is necessary to a correct understanding of my invention.

I have attached to the downturned end 22 of the lateral arm 21 a cam-like actuator 75, which at the time a fresh supply of filling is inserted in the shuttle, as shown in Fig. 3, operates to efiect at such time a positive cooperation between the fresh thread end of filling and the thread-delivering means on shuttle being provided with any suitable form of holding device to grasp the head of the filling-carrier and maintain it in position in the opening 5- with its tip end adjacent the delivery end of the shuttle. The shuttle wood is cut out at such end to receive the major portion of the thread-delivering means, which is preferably made as a casting comprising an elongated bodySO, having a depending stud 81 to enter a hole 3 Fig. 5, in the shuttle, the.

body having a longitudinal thread-receiving passage 82 therein formed by the upward extensions or Walls 83 84 of the body, the inner faces of said walls being flared to present a wide open top for the passage. At its inner or entrance end the passage is contracted by inward bulges 83 8% of the walls, and said.

bulges are vertically and oppositely slotted, as at 85 86, respectively, while the exterior of the wall 84: has two lateral ears 87 on opposite sides of the slot 86. the bottom of the slots and crossing the passage 82 at its contracted entrance 82 I have a piece of felt, to exert a sufficient drag or tension upon the filling-thread as it draws off.

through the passage, a pin 89, Figs. 6 and 7, holding the pad in place. The ears 87 have pivotally mounted between them on a pin 90 a finger-like closer or cover 91 for the en trance end of the thread-receiving passage, this entrance, with its cover, constituting a normally closed leader, as I have termed it, located in front of the tip or delivery end of and substantially alined with the fillingsupply and through which the filling-thread is led or directed as it is drawn off to be delivered. Thiscoverorclosure9lswingstransversely to the passage 82 in the slots 85 86, and when in normal position its free end rests on the top of the pin 89, (see Fig. 6,) completely closing the leader, so that if the filling-thread is therein it cannot by any possibility fiy or whip out, the leader normally being a closed eye, the cover forming a threadretainer. In its open position, which is assumed for the admission of the thread or filling end, the cover or retainer is swung up into the slot 86, its free end then being hooded or protected by the bulge 84, so that no obstacle will be presented to entry of the thread end, the top of the slot acting as a stop for the retainer. (See Fig. 7.) The retainer has a cam-slot 92 therein eccentric to the pivot 90 and which is entered by a spring-linger 93 on a plate 94 of spring metal, herein shown as snapped into a socket s formedin theinner face of the shuttle-wall.

place in the socket and in dotted lines swung (See Fig. 8.) In

Referring to Fig. 5, this plate is shown in full lines in up on a retaining-rivet 95, passed through the shuttle-wall, and it will be seen that this plate is quite deeply notched longitudinally, as at 96, to permit the upper portion 97 of the plate to be bent inward to present a cam-surface 98, the finger 93 forming an extension of the cam portion, the positions of the cam portion, corresponding to closed and open positions of the retainer 91, being shown respectively in Figs. 6 and 7. Normally the resiliency of the plate 94 maintains the cam-surface projecting inward toward the longitudinal center of the shuttle, as in Fig. 6, so that the finger 93 holds the retainer with considerable force against thepin 89, eifectually and positively closing the leader, the finger moving in a recessed part 840 of the wall 84, Figs, 6 to 9. If the cam-surface 98 is pressed outward, however, toward the shuttle-wall, as in Fig. 7, the finger 93 by its outward movement travels in the cam-slot 92 of the retainer 91, and thereby quickly swings the latter-up and outward into the position shown in Fig. 7, opening the leader and pertransferrer to normal position after transferefiect disengagement of the cam 75 and the cam-surface 98 than the latter springs inward to normal position, closing the leader with the fresh filling-thread therein before the shuttle is moved from the shuttle-box by the picking mechanism, the concavity of the retainer 91 on its lower edge assisting in depressing the thread with it should the latter be raised somewhat between the filling-supply and the disk 19 The closing action of the retainer is thus an additional safeguard toward positively insuring the insertion -of.. the thread into the leader. At the first shot of the shuttle from the replenishing side of the 100m the thread draws freely through the leader and off of the tip or delivery end of the fillingsupply, it being remembered that the filling end is secured to the holding-stud b and the first pick of fresh filling is laid, the pull on the filling through the leader being substantiallyin direct alinement with the axis of the filling-supply.

The threading of the filling into the usual side delivery-eye 3 Fig. 5, of the shuttle will now be described, it being understood that the preferable delivery-point for the thread is from the side of the shuttle nearer the fell.

As the thread is already positively retained from the filling-feeder tends to draw the thread fully into the passage throughout the length thereof and down through a narrow, slit-like, and non-vertical clearance between the forwardly-extended and laterally-widened top 99 of the wall 83 and the forward extension 100 of the top 101 of the wall 84, the inner longitudinal edges of the tops being rounded to direct the thread into the passage between its downwardly-converging side walls. The extension 100 is slightly overlapped by the top 99, as shown in Figs. 4, 6, and 7, to pre sent the clearance 102, and usually on the first pick after replenishing the thread will be drawn through this clearance, and then on the next or return pick the thread will be drawn down around the horn 103, which is located at the front end of the wall 84, through the slot 3 in the shuttle, and thence to the side delivery-eye 8 To completely thread the shuttle is thus a progressive operation, requiring two picks at least, the term complete threading meaning the automatic direction of the filling-thread to the deliveryeye 8, and that part of the threading operation performed after the admission and retention of the thread in the leader is not broadly different from the corresponding operation in self-threading shuttles now in use. There is this great difference to be observed, however-viz., that in my present invention if the threading of the shuttle is not completed in the sense heretofore noted the delivery of the thread is in no way hindered or stopped, for once the thread is confined in the leader delivery can be made directly therefrom for an indefinite number of picks without affecting the proper operation of the loomt-hat is, the thread will draw through the leader over the end of the shuttle on picks away from the replenishing mechanism and over the retainer 91 and the top of the shuttle on the opposite pick with equal freedom. On the contrary, with threading devices now in use if the thread is not drawn down into the thread-receiving passage on the first pick and then around the horn and into the delivery-eye of the shuttle on the next pick the thread will be broken instantly on such second pick and a fresh supply of filling must be provided.

With my invention a misthread cannot occur on either pick, because the thread is brought into positive and deliverable cooperation with the leader as the fresh supply is inserted in the shuttle and nothing is permitted to depend on the thread or its position to elfeet the threading of the shuttle.

The proper and uninterrupted delivery of the thread from the shuttle under all conditions is the broad or generic object to be attical and simple manner. The block is secured in place in the shuttle in any suitable manner, as by a transverse screw 3, Fig. 5, inserted from the side of the shuttle. A transverse pin 104 across the bottom of the passage 82 near its front end supports the thread practically in alinement with the axis of the filling-carrier, so that a very direct pull is effected, an upright guide-pin 105 presenting a smooth surface for the thread as it turns the corner from the passage into the deliveryeye 3 under the heel 106 of the born, the thread traveling through the passage 82 in a path very closely approaching a straight line forming a continuation of the axis of the filling-carrier. The notch back of the heel 106 keeps the thread from jumping up out of the eye 8 after it has been directed thereinto. The leader not only provides for a delivery of the thread whether the shu ttle is completely threaded or not, but it also compels the thread to pull ofi from the supply in a direct line substantially in alinement with its axis, thus insuring the most perfect and advantageous conditions for the thread to draw 01f without being subjected to undue strain.

Sometimes the thread will be thrown forward in a loop between the filling-supply and the adjacent delivering means, when the shuttle is suddenly stopped at the end of its stroke, and heretofore some trouble has been experienced by the thread-loop catching over some part of the delivering means and breaking. Breakage of the thread from such cause cannot occur with the structure herein shown, for if a thread-loop is formed and thrown forward it will only fall upon the closed top of the leader, or if very long the loop may drop over the said closed top into the thread-pas sage beyond; but immediately upon the opposite throw of the shuttle the tension on the thread will take up such loop, drawing it back and through the leader without damage.

It is practically an impossibility for a loop to be thrown as far as the overlapped extensions 99 100, and if it should happen the beveled sides of the passage 82 would direct the loop down toward the bottom of the passage and away from the extensions.

The end of the supply of filling from which the thread draws off during weaving is termed the delivery end of the filling-supply and is so designated in some of the following claims.

The portion of thread or filling which leads from the filling-supply at the time of filling replenishing, and which is brought under the control of the means for effecting delivery of the thread from the supply of filling, is termed the filling or thread end, and also the thread end of the fresh filling-supply, and is so designated in some of the appended claims.

I have herein shown and described one practical embodiment of my invention in the best and most satisfactory form now known to me, and accordingly I have not attempted to show or describe various changes and modifications ICC which may be made as to details of construction, arrangement, and operation which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the broad spirit and scope of my invention. 7

Having fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In a,loom, a shuttle adapted to contain a supply of filling and provided with a leader through which the thread from such supply draws to be delivered, mechanism to automatically provide the shuttle with filling, and means to open said leader to receive the thread end of the fresh filling-supply, and'close the leader over the said thread end.

2. In a loom, a shuttle adapted to contain a supply of filling and provided with a leader through which the thread from such supply draws to be delivered, mechanism to automatically provide the shuttle with filling, means controlled by orthrough the operation of said mechanism to open said leader to receive the thread end of the fresh filling-supply, and means to close said leader over the said thread end.

3. In aloom provided with automatic fillingreplenishing mechanism, a shuttle adapted to contain a supply of filling and provided with a threading device having a thread-entrance through which the thread from the supply draws to be delivered, and means to temporarily open the latter to receive the thread end of the fresh filling-supply, and to close it to confine the thread end therein.

4:. In a loom, a shuttle adapted to contain a supply of filling, a leader on the shuttle adjacent the delivery end of the filling-supply and through which the thread from such supply draws to be delivered, mechanism to automatically provide the shuttle with filling, and means operated upon actuation of said mechanism to cause the leader to assume immediate and deliverable control of the thread drawn from the fresh supply of filling.

5. In a loom, a shuttle adapted to contain a supply of filling, a leader in front of andin axial alinement with the supply of filling and through which the thread draws to be delivered, mechanism to automatically provide the shuttle with filling, and means operated upon actuation of said mechanism to enable the thread of the fresh supply of filling to be received by and retained in the control of the leader in readiness to be delivered.

6. In a loom provided with automatic fillingreplenishing mechanism, a shuttle adapted to contain a supply of filling and provided with a longitudinal thread-passage in its delivery end, a normallyoperative device to close the inner, or entrance, end of said passage, and means operative upon filling replenishing, to move said device to open, and thereafter close, the entrance end of the passage, to permitthe entry thereinto of the thread end of the fresh filling-supply inserted in the shuttle.

'7. In a loom, a shuttle adapted to contain a supply of filling and provided with a device to deliver the thread, mechanism to aut0matically insert fresh filling in the shuttle, and means operated contemporaneously with filling replenishing to efiect cooperation of said device with, and positive retention of, the thread end of the fresh supply of filling, to insure proper delivery thereof.

8. In a loom provided with automatic fillingreplenishing mechanism, a shuttle adapted to contain a supply of filling and provided with a thread-delivering device, and means operating simultaneously with said mechanism to effect positive cooperation of the said device with the thread end of the fresh supply of filling as the latteris inserted in the shuttle.

9. Inaloom provided with automatic fillingreplenishingmechanism, a shuttle adapted to contain a supply of filling and provided with a thread-delivering device, and means actuated by and simultaneously with the operation of said mechanism to effect positive cooperation of said device with the thread end of the fresh supply of filling as the latter is inserted in the shuttle.

10. In a loom, a shuttle adapted to contain a supply of filling and provided with a normally closed leader through which the thread draws to be delivered, mechanism to automatically provide the shuttle with filling, and means actuated by and simultaneously with the operation of said mechanism to open the said leader to receive the thread end of the filling-supply inserted in the shuttle and retain it in axial alinement with said supply.

11. In a loom provided with automatic filling-replenishing mechanism, a shuttle adapted to contain a supply of filling and having at its delivery end a thread-leader provided with a movable, normally closed top, the thread passing through the leader as drawn off for delivery, and means to move the top to open the leader forthe reception of the filling-thread end when fresh filling is inserted in the shuttle, and thereafter to return the top to normal position to close the leader and retain the thread therein.

12. In a loom provided with automatic fill ing-replenishing mechanism, a shuttle adapted to contain a supply of filling and provided with a normally closed thread-leader and a delivery-eye, means to open the leader upon filling replenishing, to receive the fresh-filling-thread end, and means to automatically direct the latter from the leader to the delivery-eye.

13. In a loom provided with automatic fillingreplenishing mechanism, a shuttle adapted to contain a supply of filling and provided with a threading device which normally permits neither admission nor withdrawal of the fillingthread, and means operative by or through actuation of the replenishing mechanism to render the threading device tempo-' rarily receptive to the admission of the fresh- IIO filling-thread end, return of said device to normal condition positively preventing Withdrawal of the thread thereafter.

lat. In a loom provided with automatic filling-replenishing mechanism, a shuttle adapted to contain a supply of filling and provided with a side deliveryeye and a thread-retaining leader in front of the delivery end of the filling-supply, means to open and close the leader by and simultaneously with the operation of the replenishing mechanism, to effect the entrance and positive retention of the fresh-filling-thread end in the leader, and means to thereafter automatically direct the thread from the leader to the side deliveryeye.

15. In a loom provided With automatic fillingreplenishing mechanism, a shuttle adapted to contain a supply of filling and provided with a side delivery-eye, and a thread-retaining leader in front of the delivery end of the filling-supply, means mounted independently of the shuttle to effect the opening and closing of the leader upon filling replenishing, to receive and thereafter retain in the leader the fresh-filling-thread end, and means carried by the shuttle to thereafter direct the thread from the leader to the delivery-eye of the shuttle.

16. In aloom, filling-replenishing mechanism, a shuttle adapted to contain a supply of filling and provided with an automatically self threading device having a normally closed entrance for the thread to lead through.

as drawn off from the filling-supply, and means operative upon actuation of said mechanism to temporarily open said entrance for the admission of the fresh-filling-thread end, subsequent closure of the entrance positively retaining the thread therein.

17. In a loom, filling-replenishing mechanism, a shuttle adapted to contain asupply of filling and having a side delivery-eye, threading means on the shuttle, including a longitudinal thread-passage,a device to automatically direct the thread therefrom to the delivery-eye, and a device to normally bridge the inner end of the passage, and means to positively move said device to temporarily open the inner end of the passage when a fresh supply of filling is inserted in the shuttle, to receive the thread thereof, return of said device to normal position closing the end of the passage with the thread positively retained therein.

18. In a loom, automatic filling-replenishing mechanism, including a transferrer to transfer filling-supplies one by one to the shuttle, a shuttle adapted to receive and hold a filling-supply and having a leader for the filling-thread as drawn off from the supply, a device on the shuttle to efiect opening and closing of the leader, and means actuated by transferring action of the transferrer to opcrate said device to open the leader for the admission of the fresh filling-thread.

19. In a loom provided with automatic filling-replenishing mechanism, a shuttle adapted to contain asupply of filling and provided with a thread-leader having an open top and located in front of the delivery end of the filling-supply, a transversely-movable cover for and to close the top of theleader, a spring to normally maintain the cover in closed position, and means operative by or through actuation of the replenishing mechanism to move the cover, through its spring, to thereby open the leader for the admission of the fresh filling-thread.

20. A shuttle for automatic filling-replenishing looms, having an opening to receive a supply of filling, a leader at the end of said opening adjacent the delivery end of the filling-supply, to receive and direct .the fillingthread drawn from the supply, and a device to normally close the leader positively, to surround and prevent escape of filling-thread.

21. A shuttle for automatic filling-replenishing looms, having an opening to receive a supply of filling, and a side delivery-eye, and threading means for the shuttle, located at one end of said opening, said means including aleader through which the thread passes from the filling-supply, a normally operative, movable closure for the leader, to prevent escape of the thread therefrom, and a device to direct the thread from the leader to the delivcry-eye.

22. A shuttle for automatic filling-replenishing looms, having a longitudinal opening therein to receive a supply of filling, and a side delivery-eye, and means mounted on the shuttle to automatically effect proper threaddelivery, said means including alongitudinal thread-receiving passage having a normally closed inner end or entrance, a movable closing device therefor, a spring on the shuttle to normally maintain said device in closed position, and a horn at the outer end of passage to direct the thread therefrom to the delivery-eye.

23. A shuttle for automatic filling-replenishing looms, having an opening to receive a supply of filling, a longitudinal thread-receiving passage having a normally closed entrance between it and said opening, a device movable transversely of the passage to close the entrance thereof, and yielding means to normally maintain said device in position to close the entrance.

2i. A shuttle for automatic filling-replenishing looms, adapted to contain a supply of filling and provided with a side delivery-eye, and a normally closed thread-retainingleader in front of the delivery end of the filling-supply, through which leader the thread from the supply draws to be delivered, and means on the shuttle to automatically direct the thread from the leader to the delivery-eye of the shuttle. I

25. A shuttle for automatic filling-replenishing looms, adapted to contain a supply of filling and provided with a side delivery-eye, threading means on the shuttle, including a them, at the outer end of the passage, a horn 'anism, to open the leader when a fresh suplongitudinal thread-passage, a transverselyl movable retainer to extend over and close the entrance end of the passage, a spring to normally maintain the retainer in position to form an eye-like entrance for the passage, and means to direct the filling-thread automatically from the passage to the delivery-eye.

26. A shuttle for automatic filling-replenishing looms, adapted to contain a supply of filling and having mounted upon it threaddelivering means, said means including a leader in front of the'delivery end ofthe filling-supply and having an open top, to admit the thread to the leader, a pivotally-mounted closure for the top of the leader, to retain the thread positively therein, and a springfinger mounted on the shuttle and eccentrically connected with the closure, to normally hold it in position to close the leader.

27. A threading device for loom-shuttles, consisting of a block having a longitudinal thread-passage therein the side walls having forward extensions at their tops, said extensions overlapping with a clearance between extending from one of said extensions to the bottom of the passage at its front end, and a finger-like retainer pivotally mounted on one wall and movable transversely of the pas-- sage at its inner end, to bridge the same, the walls having oppositely-located slots therein to receive and permit pivotal movement of the retainer.

28. In a loom provided with automatic filling-replenishing mechanism, a shuttle adapted to contain a supply of filling and having a side delivery-eye, thread-delivering means on the shuttle, including a normally closed leader through which the thread from the supply draws to be delivered, and devices to direct the thread to the delivery-eye, and means partly mounted on the shuttle and partly movable with the replenishing mechply of filling is inserted in the shuttle.

29. In a loom provided with automatic filling-replenishing mechanism, a shuttle adapted to contain a supply of filling and having a delivery-eye, means to effect positive cooperation of afresh filling-thread end with the shuttle upon change of filling, and while the shuttle is at rest, to insure free delivery of the thread, and separate means operative upon movement of the shuttle to automatically direct the thread to the delivery-eye.

30. In a loom provided with automatic filling-replenishing mechanism,a shuttle adapted to contain a supply of filling and having a normally closed leader and a side deliveryeye, means to automaticallyeffect the admission of the fresh filling-thread into the leader upon filling-replenishing and while the shuttle is at rest, to insure free delivery of the thread, and separate means dependent upon the movement of the shuttle to automatically direct the thread from'the leader to the de livery-eye.

31. A shuttle for looms, having an opening for the reception of a filling-carrier, and a side delivery-eye, a longitudinalthread-receiving passage in alinement with the axisof the filling-carrier and having a normally closed entrance adjacent and in front of the tip of the filling-carrier, means to open the entrance to receive the thread, means to direct the thread from the passage to the delivery-eye, and a device tosupport the thread in the passage substantially in a horizontal plane intersecting the axis of the filling-carrier.

32. A shuttle for automatic filling-replem ishing looms, having an opening to receive a filling-supply, means located at the front end of said opening to receive and direct the filling-thread in substantial axial alinement with the filling-supply, and a thread-retaining, normally operative closure for said means, movable transversely to the longitudinal axis of the shuttle.

33. A shuttle for looms, having an opening to receive a filling-supply, and a side delivery-eye, a longitudinal thread-receiving passage the side walls whereof are forwardly extended at their tops to present extensions at the outer end of the passage, the extremities of the extensions overlapping with an inclined clearance therebetween, a device normally operative to close the inner end of the passage and thereby form a thread -leader in front of and substantially in axial alinement with the filling-supply, means to move said device to open the passage, and means to direct the thread from the passage to the delivery-eye.

34. A loom-shuttle adapted to contain a supply of filling and having a longitudinal thread-receiving passage in its delivery end, said passage being contracted at its inner end to form a thread-entrance, a closure movably mounted at the contracted part of the passage to span the same and complete the continuity of the thread-entrance, the latter being located in front of and substantially in axial alinement with the filling-supply, means to move the closure to open the thread-entrance, and means to normally retain said closure in operative position.

35. In a loom provided with automatic filling-replenishing mechanism, a shuttle adapted to contain a supply of filling, a normally closed leader in front of and substantially in alinement with the longitudinal axis of the filling-supply, and means to temporarilyopen the leader to receive the thread of the fresh filling-supply when the latter is inserted in the shuttle. t

36. In a loom provided with automatic filling-replenishing mechanism, ashuttle adapted to contain a supply of filling, means on the shuttle in alinement with the longitudinal axis of the filling-supply to receive and completely surround the thread between the latter and the replenishing mechanism, and a device to automatically open said means upon filling replenishing, to receive the thread, whereby the latter is drawn ed the supply in substantial alinement with its axis.

37. In a loom provided with automatic filling-replenishing mechanism, a shuttle adapted to contain a supply of filling, a device on the shuttle to positively engage the fillingthread between the replenishing mechanism and the delivery end of the fresh supply and hold it substantially in axial alinement with the latter, and means to efiect engagement of the thread by said device when the replenishing mechanism operates.

35. In a loom provided with automatic filling-replenishing mechanism, a shuttle adapted to contain a supply of filling, and provided with a leader adjacent the delivery end of the filling-supply and intersected by the longi tudinal axis thereof, and means to effect positive control of the filling-thread by said leader when the shuttle is provided with a fresh supply of filling.

39. In a loom provided with automatic filling-replenishing mechanism, a shuttle adapted to contain a supply of filling, and having a longitudinal thread-receiving passage at its delivery end, a thread-retainer to normally close the inner end of the passage, and means to temporarily retract the retainer to open the passage for entrance of the fresh-fillingthread end, return of the retainer to normal position holding the thread down in the passage to draw off from the filling-supply in a substantially axial path.

40. In a loom, ashuttle adapted to contain a supply of filling and provided with a device to deliver the thread, mechanism to automatically insert fresh filling in the shuttle, and means operative upon filling replenishing to efiect positive engagement of said device with the fresh filling-thread in front of and in axial alinement with the filling-supply inserted in the shuttle.

41. In a loom, filling-replenishing mechanism, including a feeder, and a transferrer to transfer filling-carriers singly therefrom to the shuttle, a filling-end holder on the feeder, a shuttle adapted to contain a filling-carrier and provided with means to engage the filling-thread between the end-holder and the filling-carrier and maintain it in substantially axial alinement with the latter, and a device to effect engagement of said means with the thread of a filling-carrier when inserted in the shuttle by the transferrer.

42. In a loom provided with automatic filling-replenishing mechanism, a shuttle adapted to contain a filling-carrier and provided with means to engage the filling-thread between said mechanism and the filling-carrier and maintain the thread in substantially axial alinement with the latter,and a device to efiect cooperative engagement of said means, and the thread of a filling-carrier when it is inserted in the shuttle by the operation of said mechanism.

43. In a loom provided with automatic filling-replenishing mechanism, a shuttle adaptleader and to normally close the latter, and

means to move said device to open and close the leader upon the actuation of the replenishing mechanism, whereby the fresh-fillingthread end is inserted in and positively retained in the control of the leader.

44. In a loom, a running shuttle adapte to contain a supply of filling and provided with a normally closed leader through which the thread from the said supply draws to be delivered, mechanism to automatically provide the shuttle with filling, and means to open said leader to receive the thread end of the fresh filling-supply.

45. In a loom, a shuttle adapted to contain a supply of filling and provided with a normally closed leader through which the thread from the said supply draws to be delivered, mechanism to automatically provide the shuttle with filling, and means controlled by or through the operation of said mechanism to open said leader to receive the thread end of the fresh filling-supply.

46. In a loom provided with automatic filling-replenishing mechanism, a shuttle adapted to contain a supply of filling and provided with a threading device having a normally closed entrance through which the thread draws from said supply, and means to temporarily open the latter to receive the thread end of the fresh filling-supply.

47. In a loom, a shuttle adapted to contain a supply of filling, a normally closed leader on the shuttle adjacent the tip end of the filling-supply and through which the thread from the said supply draws to be delivered, mechanism to automatically provide the shuttle with filling irrespective of the condition of the leader, and means operative upon actuation of said mechanism to temporarily open the said leader to receive the thread end of the fresh supply of filling.

48. In a loom provided with automatic filling-replenishing mechanism, a running shuttle adapted to contain a supply of filling and provided with threading means including a thread-receiving passage having a normally closed entrance through which the thread from the supply draws to be delivered, and means to positively open and close the entrance upon filling replenishing, to thereby admit to and retain in said entrance the thread end of the fresh supply of filling with which the shuttle is provided.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

JONAS NORTHROP.

\Vitnesses:

CLARE- H. DRAPER, FRANK J. DUTCHER 

